Need a Fun Getaway?

       Think Central Coast California--specifically Paso Robles, Edna Valley Vineyard, and Cambria.  Here's what we discovered on a recent art adventure with a group of friends.

        First stop...Thomas Hill Organics restaurant in Paso Robles.  A unique menu that changes daily, prepared by a chef born in Paris and raised in the Bordeaux region, the superb food was served in an outdoor patio by waitresses in black t-shirts with a bright green pair logo on it.  We had a variety of items, all of which were unique, beautiful visually, and very tasty...the Autumn Salad with roasted beets, apple, fig, pear, persimmon, pomegranate; Poached eggs on roasted winter squash, caramelized onion, arugula, chickpeas, basil and parmesan; and on it went.  Plus, they had two very nice full-bodied red wines from the Thomas Hill Vineyards--a 2011 Barbera and a 2011 Miscela delle Colline, which is a Sangiovese, Aglianico, Barbera, and Petite Sirah blend.  This was our third time at the restaurant and we'll be back.

        Our next stop was the Edna Valley Vineyard near San Luis Obispo.  The wine tasting room has a spectacular view of the vineyards and some of the Seven Sisters mountains.  We tasted a variety of wines and as usual each had our different favorites.  One of Lynn's favorites was the 2011 Red V Blend Paso Robles, a simple, good-with-barbecue wine which we did have with our ribs our last evening of our escapade.  Another Lynn favorite was the 2011 Winemaker Series Sauvignon Blanc Edna Valley and MK liked the 2011 Heritage Chardonnay.  The 2010 Meritage Paso Robles, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet, and Petite Verdot, we both liked--full bodied with ripe fruit flavors. All of the wines we tasted are only available at the tasting room or through the wine club, but many other Edna Valley wines are available at local retail shops.

        Our final stop, and home base, was Cambria.  What a delightful coastal town.  And, what a fun time of year to be there.  Cambria has a scarecrow festival every October.  These scarecrows, scattered throughout the town and environs, offer whimsical art experiences and photo ops.  And there are wine tasting and excellent culinary spots here, as well--like Wild Ginger with its Pacific Rim-Asian fusion food. 

        In all, an enlivening area of California with many perks for the lover of good food, wine, art, and vistas.